T20 Blast 2022 | SOM vs DER | Preview, Prediction, Probable XI, CREX XI

Somerset and Derbyshire are all set to lock horns against each other in the final quarter-final of the English T20 Vitality Blast. Somerset finished second in the South Group, whereas Derbyshire qualified from the third spot in the North Group. The fixture will be played at Taunton, which has played host to a couple of high-scoring encounters.

Somerset have been on a roll off-late, claiming three back-to-back victories. Tom Abell and Co. completely outplayed Surrey in their last encounter, handing them a 47-run defeat. Opening batter Will Smeed inflicted the maximum damage, scoring 98 runs off just 51 balls.

Derbyshire have also been in good form coming into the knockout stages. In their last encounter, the Shan Masood-led side claimed a five-wicket victory over Durham. As a result, they ended the league campaign with 18 points to their name, despite an ordinary start to the tournament.

In an unfortunate turn of events, the Derbyshire skipper Shan Masood is going to miss this crucial encounter owing to his national commitments. Masood has amassed 547 runs at a stupendous average of 45.58, which is why his absence can be termed as a massive blow for the Derby-based County cricket club. 

Harry Came is expected to replace Masood and Leus du Plooy will lead the team in his absence. 

On the other hand, after a blistering start to the campaign, Rilee Roussouw has had a dip in form. Nevertheless, he has scored 507 runs at an average of 46.09 in the league stage.

George Scrimshaw is the top wicket-taker for Derbyshire, with 21 wickets at an average of just over 23. This is the first time the two sides will lock horns against each other in this competition.

Match Details:

Match: Somerset v Derbyshire, Quarterfinal 4

Venue: The Cooper Associates County Ground, Taunton

Date & Time: July 9, 11:30 PM

Live Streaming: FanCode and ECB website.

Pitch Report: 

The pitch at Taunton should be ideal for batting. The side batting first will look to post at least 180-190 runs on the board, given both sides have a power-packed batting order. The last fixture at this venue saw Somerset post a first-innings total of 218 runs on the board.

Head-To-Head:

Matches Played: 0

Somerset Won: 0

Derbyshire: 0

Probable Playing XI:

Somerset: Will Smeed, Tom Banton (wk), Rilee Rossouw, Tom Abell (c), Tom Lammonby, Lewis Gregory, Ben Green, Roelof van der Merwe, Craig Overton, Josh Davey, Peter Siddle

Derbyshire: Harry Came, Luis Reece, Leus du Plooy (c), Hilton Cartwright, Wayne Madsen, Alex Hughes, Brooke Guest (Wk), Mattie McKiernan, Ben Aitchison, George Scrimshaw, Mark Watt

CREX XI Suggestion:

Wicket-Keeper: Tom Banton

Batters: Will Smeed, Rilee Rossouw, Tom Abell, Hilton Cartwright

All-Rounders: Lewis Gregory, Ben Green, Roelof van der Merwe

Bowlers: George Scrimshaw, Mark Watt, Josh Davey

Captain: Will Smeed 

Vice-Captain: Rilee Rossouw